The Mysterious Boy - Julie Robinson

[Rob Houghton]

Looks like that's a "No" then, Julie.

On the contrary - it would be a great idea!

[Julie2owlsdene]

Well I spoke to the children in their assembly - in one of our local primary schools, this morning. It was a new experience for me, never having been a teacher, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I hope the children enjoyed it as much as I did.

Even the teachers were asking me questions about being a writer, and I have to say, for the first time ever, I actually felt like one.

I've a few signing dates to attend during the summer, and so am looking forwards to those too, now.

All thanks to Enid Blyton who greatly inspired me in my childhood, and still does.

[Lucky Star]

Great stuff Julie. It is all happening now for you. I must get you to sign my copy in Exbury next month.

[Eddie Muir]

Congratulations, Julie. I’m so pleased to hear that you talk at the school was successful.

[Courtenay]

Sounds brilliant, Julie. Do you give Enid the credit in your talks? I'm sure most of the school children would be familiar with her (considering her books still sell like hot cakes!) and would probably be interested to hear that she's inspired you all your life. Hopefully more of them will be inspired to try writing their own books as well!

[Julie2owlsdene]

Yes, I'll gladly sign your copy, John. Glad you can make it.

Yes, Courtenay, I did manage to give Enid Blyton a big plug and also the Society, too.

Another school has just contacted me, and want me to visit them too.

[Anita Bensoussane]

I'm glad your talk went well, Julie!

[Rob Houghton]

I'm pleased it went so well! Although I've been a teacher and stood in front of a class, I never took a school assembly, which I'm sure must be more terrifying! But once you get into it you realise the kids are all behind you and probably in awe of the fact there's a writer of books standing in front of them!

I bet the next one will go even better.

[sixret]

Well done, Julie!

[Julie2owlsdene]

Thanks, all.

Funnily enough I wasn't terrified, or even nervous, Rob. The age group was about 9 -11, I think, around 200 kids, and all listened intently to what I had to say. I guess I'm at that age now, where I don't worry about such things.

[John Pickup]

I'm glad your talk went well, Julie, and you enjoyed the experience. First of many, eh?

[Julie2owlsdene]

Let's hope so, John.

[Moonraker]

Well done, Miss Robinson! You are fortunate that talking is one of your great skills.

[Julie2owlsdene]

Thought some of you may like to see a few photos which the school took of me this morning, whist I was in their classes. Firstly I did an assembly talk, and then I was invited into four classes to speak personally with the children. I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

[Courtenay]

Well done, Julie — if you thoroughly enjoyed it I'm sure the kids did too. I hope all of them will read your book and at least some of them will be inspired to become authors as well! I remember once we had a local lady come and give a talk to our class in primary school about a children's novel she had published, which was very interesting to hear about, but her book wasn't nearly as good as yours (and I'm not just saying that ).